When a Pomeranian is Afraid of Loud Noises 

Here, we’ll take a look at why many Poms are afraid of at least some of these elements, if there is any validity to these fears, and exact steps you can do to help. 

1. Flashes of light that cause a dog to lose his sense of security and control over his normal environment.

2. Noise of the thunder which can be exceedingly loud to a canine’s superior hearing. 

3. High winds. Canines hear on a frequency of 40 to 60,000 Hz, compared to our 20 to 20,000 Hz; therefore, dogs may react to high-pitched winds not perceptible to the human ear.  

4. The sound of the rain hitting the roof; when continual, this can be quite irritating.

5. Changes in air pressure and static electric field. Canines can sense drops in barometric pressure as well as sense shifts in the static electric field; both of which occur alongside thunderstorms. This can make a dog feel uneasy. 

A Pomeranian may hide; this may be in an odd spot like a closet or under the staircase. There can also be panicked behavior such as face pacing, howling or barking, whining, shaking, excessive drooling, lip licking, and/or chewing on non-toy items. In some cases, a dog may lose all control; some have been known to ram into walls.

1. A compression vest. Chances are you’ve heard of these before. Maybe you’re wondering if this type of product really works… or maybe you’ve tried one and saw mixed results. First, let’s talk about what these are, in case you aren’t quite sure. And then we’ll cover tips for ensuring that it works for your Pomeranian. 

What these are: These are a form-fitting structured ‘vest’ based on the concept of swaddling (gentle pressure). Studies have shown that gentle pressure releases endorphins, which is a calming ‘feel good’ chemical. It’s similar to how a baby calms down when swaddled in a baby blanket and a person feels comforted and safe when receiving a loving hug. 

The shirt or vest is slipped on and secured with Velcro flaps to make sure it fits snug (but not overly tight). During intense and stressful situations, these gently compress key points on a dog’s body to offer a sense of security. 

These can also be effective for other stressful events, including fear of fireworks and other loud noises (which are covered next) and even severe stress when traveling.

How effective are these? These are remarkably effective and quality ones that are properly designed and used help over 70% of dogs. Below are tips to increase the effectiveness of these. 

1. Allow your Pomeranian to get accustomed to the shirt. The worst time to place this on a dog for the very first time is right when a thunderstorm is rolling in. You’ll want your Pom to be familiar with this beforehand. It offers comfort, so even dogs that initially balk at wearing it will indeed find a sense of security as long as they are introduced to it in a gradual way. Start with short 5 minutes sessions and work your way up to 30 minutes or so. 

2. If no storms come your way for a while, place the compression shirt on your Pom at least once a month so that your dog doesn’t forget about it.  

3. Some dogs do best starting on the third time wearing this. It can be like a light switch suddenly going on. So, do not give up until you have given it three tries. 

4. Once your Pom is familiar with the shirt, keep it handy and place it on as soon as you are aware that a storm is heading your way. Dogs can sense storms from miles away and can become antsy before you see a drop of rain. Technically, these can be worn for hours so it doesn’t hurt to place this on your dog early. 

5. Ensure you have the right size. A loose-fitting compression vest will do little to help and of course an overly tight one will be uncomfortable. Most offer a range of sizes that are based either on weight or chest measurements. If you are unsure of either of these elements, it’s time to weigh your Pom or measure your little one with a cloth measuring tape. But, you do not need to be exact to the pound or inch since most compression shirts are adjustable. 

6. While these do work very well for most dogs, it can only help to follow other tips and strategies in conjunction with this (see ahead).

Considering size, quality, comfort and effectiveness, there are a couple that are highly recommended. 

Aside from the compression vest, the following tips can also help. 

1. Do not force your Pomeranian to stay alongside you. You may feel that keeping your dog by your side or on your lap is the best way to offer comfort and some dogs will be receptive to that. However, it’s also normal for dogs to want to hide in a ‘den’, which calls to their basic canine instinct. If your Pom has a particular area that he/she likes to hide during stressful events, allow them to go there. If possible, keep that area cleared for them, perhaps even setting up a second dog bed or even just a soft place to lie down via blankets. 

2. As soon as you are aware that a storm is on its way, close all windows and doors, lower the blinds and sweep the curtains closed. However, do this in a matter-of-fact way. If you rush around, your Pom will pick up on the vibe that you’re worried about something and may get anxious just from that.

1. The sudden booming concussions can be very disturbing to canines, with their incredible sense of hearing. 

2. The smell of burning pyrotechnics can be very disorientating, raising red flag alerts. 

3. The quick flashes of light. Dogs should not be allowed to see the lights, but if a dog were to, it would be highly disturbing and frightening. 

It’s so common for dogs to panic when hearing fireworks that July 5th is the business day of the year for animal shelters; dogs jump fences or otherwise run away due to being spooked. 

1. A compression vest. While many of these contain the word ‘thunder’ in their name like a ‘thunder shirt’ or ‘thunder vest’, these work for wide variety of stressors, including fireworks. For this reason, you may wish to refer back to the details of these. 

This said, a city fireworks display may run a lot longer than a passing storm and depending on how close your Pomeranian is to the fireworks, additional help may be needed as listed below. 

2. Under no circumstances should you bring your Pomeranian to a fireworks display. And being there but placing your dog in the car will not help at all. 

4. Check the scheduled times for fireworks both in your town and surrounding areas, to know in advance when displays will start and end. 

5. Before fireworks are to begin, close the doors and windows to block the scent of burning pyrotechnics (your dog can smell this even if you cannot) and draw the blinds and curtains.

6. As with lightning storms, allow your Pomeranian to retreat to a ‘den’ if desired. 

2. It can be seen as a threatening force. Depending on the size of the vacuum, it can certainly be seen as a threat. It is a loud moving object that’s much bigger than a Pomeranian and it’s in the dog’s territory. Canines may not be able to comprehend that the human is controlling it, and therefore may feel that the dreaded vacuum may strike and attack at any moment. 

1. Give space. There are lots of fears that can be worked on (traffic, baths, other dogs, etc.) by employing desensitization training; however, if your Pomeranian is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, this is one element that it’s perfectly okay to limit exposure.  

If you have a helper, have them take your Pom for a walk or have a play session outside when the house is being vacuumed. If you’re home alone with your Pom, if your little one has a portable canine playpen, move it as far away from the vacuum as you can as you clean.